October 2011 Rads

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  • Jandot
    Jandot Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2011

    Start my boosts on Monday. Thankfully last night's treatment was the last to the supraclavicular area... My ro actually gave me some pain pills to help sleep at night, too sore to let the sheets or anything else on it. My back is a bit red too, little itchy. I was told that might happen since they're zapping my level 3 nodes. If you aren't getting nodal radiation you should be OK :-)



    Best to all!



    Jan

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  • abatellik
    abatellik Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2011

    I start my boosts on Tuesday. Looks like a lot of us can *finally* see the finish line! :-)

    5kidsmom- if it helps at all, I am 31. Don't know anyone (in person) that is in my age range. Chemo was mostly me and ladies my grandma's age, which was actually pretty cool- they were really awesome to get to know. But it would have been nice to meet at least one person my age- it's pretty isolating- especially now I go to rads at the University of Michigan and STILL am not meeting people my age. Glad they are not going through this though.  Also, my sister has had Crohn's since she was 6 (she's 19 now). She's studying nursing now, so if you have any questions for someone who has experienced it firsthand (and as a teenager, which is really rough!), I can ask her. She had a colonectomy and was a really really bad case. But she's doing pretty well now.

    Anyone else getting (what I call) "age spots" on their radiation area? Another lady at rads today said she had something similar and it freaked her out.

    It's almost Friday ladies- hang in there :-)

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    abate,

    31? Oh dear, honey...you are way too young for this crap! (But then, I think *I'm* too young for this crap, and I turned 50 during my chemo during the summer!)

    UMich, huh? LOL! I'm getting all my care at UIowa...go Big Ten (except for Penn State...) Is the UMich an NCI designated cancer center?

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  • 5kidsMom
    5kidsMom Member Posts: 118
    edited November 2011

    We are all way too young for this crap.  Every one of us has a whole lot more living to do--isn't that why we are putting outselves through all this?  Seriously thinking back over some of the barbaric things I've had to go through, there have been times I've wondered if there will be enough left of me to even enjoy life.  I don't think I ever really understood the "quality of life" issue until this year.  I can't WAIT to not have to think about which appointment is coming up, what therapy I'm in and on and on.  I think I'm ready to start my new "post cancer" life.  Certainly won't be back to normal, but I'm choosing to believe that I've learned enough this year to make it a better life!

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Abatelik, I know what you mean. I'm a decade older but I look young and I do feel out of place sometimes at my appointments. I also feel guilty because it's obvious I never had chemotherapy.



    I missed my appointment today because our car got towed last night :( still hoping to finish before Christmas holidays.

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  • dawmson
    dawmson Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2011

    jandot and abatellik - I start my boosts next week too - next Monday. Woo hoo!! 

    Only 5 more to go and then I'm done!! Had my last regular today. Next week, no more breathing apparatus, I just lay on the table and get zapped. They drew a nice circle around the area where they will be zapping me - so relieved to see that it's not all that big.

    My skin ended up holding up really well - it's just now starting to get pretty red and a little bit sore. The fatigue has definitely been the worst part. Yesterday I was so tired all day long, and this morning I needed to prop my eyelids open with sticks, practically. 

    The kids both have sleepovers at friends' tonight and my husband gets back from Germany tomorrow, so tonight Im' going to put on my jammies early and watch a movie ... and try not to fall asleep.

    Have a good weekend everyone - one more week done! 

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  • rn4babies
    rn4babies Member Posts: 409
    edited November 2011

    Natters- I know exactly what you mean! I'm just a few years older than you and I feel out of place at my appointments, too. Everyone is either much older and some have obviously been through chemo as well. I feel like they look at me kind of funny because I am healthy and don't look like I should be there. I had 18/30 today.........well over half way there!

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  • 5kidsMom
    5kidsMom Member Posts: 118
    edited November 2011

    Natters what a bummer on the car and on missing your appt :( 

    Talking about feeling out of place. . . . my 15 yr old daughter gets her infusions for her Crohn's at the infusion center where I got my chemo.  I was very happy about it, because I know all the staff in the office, and she's happy too, that they are so sweet to her and know our family.  She is WAY out of place there, since she is their ONLY "pediatric" patient, and one of only a handful that are being treated for something other than cancer. 

    Today was #34 for me. . . 4 more to go!  I'm only getting one field done, and only 1 beam, so I was in and out in 10 minutes today.  So happy to be in the home stretch!!

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011

    Hi October Ladies who have helped so much!
    I've been off with a cold but it is good to hear so many are nearing the finish line with rads.
    Kay1963 congrats! Marthah, so glad you're done - and thanks for the Kmart bra tip.  I have only one bra that isn't underwire and I think I will need the front close. dawmson, you made me smile with the question you were asked...that won't happen to me (C+). 
    5kidsmom - I am a 5 kids mom too - except that my youngest will be 28 on Monday.  I can't picture me doing this 15 years ago....My daughter has Crohn's since 16 but we had treated for everything else until her dx in her 20s... she has had children and postponed serious meds until after last child.  She's doing well.  Home schooling can be good as you can set the pace.  And it is good to have that motivation - which is why I went back to work after a week.  I didn't want to be home alone to think about it all.
    Truebff - water is so important! I have to line up my bottles and remind myself to drink them or I forget. If rads are similar to sunburn, then dehydration is definitely a concern. Good luck...
    Paintingmywaythru -- way to go Susan. 
    Nat -- I remember right after lumpectomy - swollen - didn't like wearing bra; didn't like going without.  Some days I wore a silky soft spandex pull over sleeveless - it immobilized and felt good. I don't think I'll wear synthetics during rads though. Try to smile - it's the week end.
    Hugs to all,
    Joan
     

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Joan, glad to see you back.

    Nat, so sorry about the car! That completely sucks, especially right before the holidays. Here's hoping you get it back soon and get back on track, girl...you need to git 'er done!

    Two boosts left...will finish up on Tuesday! I'm baking some pumpkin bread this weekend to take into the rad onc clinic on Tuesday. That is also my doc day. Woo hoo! Laughing

    Had a f/u with my BS on Thursday. She is super, and is a friend/former colleague too. Will see her again in May when I go back for my first mammo since this whole nightmare started last March. Undecided

    Will see my MO in early December at which time I will start the Tamox. Fingers crossed that I don't have SE's! Blech... Yell

    Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

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  • Beaglesgirl
    Beaglesgirl Member Posts: 287
    edited November 2011

    I saw met with the gyn onc last week and they set a date for my hysterectomy/ ooph I dont know the acronym for this one :( I walked out of there feeling like I had taken control of this beast but also like its taking one little piece of me at a time. I go in on December 2nd for this latest necessary prophy surgery. I will be on 26 of my 33 Rads at that point. 

    The fatigue is completely kicking my butt right now so I suspect that the week after the surgery will be a doozie. I am scared. 

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  • abatellik
    abatellik Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2011
    Beagelsgirl- That is a lot at once!! Maybe the fatigue from the rads will help you sleep better after the surgery? (trying to find a bright side for you! Sometimes they are few and far betwen). My rads therapists laughed at me when I said I never thought the numbness from the MX would be a blessing, but from the look of my skin, it is at the moment...
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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    5kidsmom - I am right there with you I cannot wait for all the appointments to be done. Even though Chemo was much worse for me to endure (so far), than rads are, I always start to cry when the lights dim, the tech and nurse leave the room, and that darn machine starts making its hideous, robotic sounds. I feel so guilty allowing my body to be radiated, but would also feel guilty if I did not! 

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  • 5kidsMom
    5kidsMom Member Posts: 118
    edited November 2011

    Aww Shirleta, at the beginning I was just like that, when they would leave the room I'd get uptight.  I made a huge mental effort to separate the actual *experience* of radiation, from the SE's I'm experiencing.  The techs at my place are super nice, and one seems to have the goal of giving me a belly laugh each treatment.  I try to focus on that, and find something that will make them laugh each time too.  Keeps my mind OFF from what the beams are doing.  I read on here that someone else used the drive in, to decide what to think about during the actual treatment.  That helps me too. . . . when the techs leave the room, I start reviewing what I have left to do that day, what appointments are this week, which library books are due, ANYTHING!  It makes it easier for me.  At this point (34 tx down!) my mind automatically goes into "planning mode" as soon as the techs leave the room! 

    Abate--I agree about the loss of sensation from the MX--what a blessing at this point!!  I can feel half of it, and wow am I glad that I can't feel it all!!

    Meant to add. . . . looked at our calendar this week, and our family of 7 has 10 doc appts this week, and there are only 3 business days!!!  yikes :)  Tuesday we will be in doc offices all day: all 5 of my kids AND my hubby are visiting the dentist!

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  • abatellik
    abatellik Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2011
    5kidsmom- for once , it isn't you in the doc's office :-)
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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Re: What we do during our rad treatments

    I completely understand where many of you are coming from...tears, guilt, fear. It's a wonder all of us aren't suffering from some form traumatic stress disorder. 

    When I'm laying on the table, I try to focus on the technology, and how fortunate we are in the advancements. I think about my dad, who died of Hodgkins disease when I was 7. I'm sure he endured much, much worse treatments than I...and they didn't give you the pain meds back in the 1960's that they do now. I also think of my mom. She passed away nearly 3 years ago (and good thing, too...I don't think she could have endured another daughter getting cancer), and I swear I felt her holding my hand as I lay there with my arms over my head on Friday. 

    Tuesday will be my last treatment, and I know I will cry. I will cry because this long, arduous journey of diagnosis, lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation will be over. Finally. 

    You women are all heroes in my book. God bless each and every one of you...those who post AND those who lurk. 

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  • lovetosail
    lovetosail Member Posts: 544
    edited November 2011
    Beaglesgirl, I'll be having an oophorectomy after rads also - in early Jan. The fun never ends, does it ;)  My gyn wanted to do it while I was still getting rads ("it's a totally different part of your body" he said), but I really prefer to have my body deal with one assault at a time!
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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    5kidsMom - thanks so much for your words of wisdom - I will be thinking of you and your inspirational message when I go on the table Mon. My school district has 1/2 day on Mon., so two of my grandchildren will be in the waiting room - Knowing they will greet me with hugs when I return to the waiting room will also help. My center has wonderful volunteers who enjoy keeping children occupied - thank goodness!    Oh my goodness - all those appointments for your family this week -hope all goes smoothly.

    Sher 

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Marthah- Thanks, also, for your inspirational words. All of the amazing women on this thread, and my wonderful grandchildren, truly help me get through each day and each treatment. I am so grateful to have all of you with me. I am also with you. 

    Sher 

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited November 2011

    Just wanted to let everyone know it was one week since my last rad on Friday, and my back peeled slightly, but is healing now, as is my breast and armpit. The red has faded to a mild pink and nothing is sore. Hang in there everyone. Can't wait until we're all done.

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  • Paintingmywaythru
    Paintingmywaythru Member Posts: 317
    edited November 2011

    I second KAy1963..hang inthere..6 days since last rad and healing and peeling nicely. Was out dancing Friday night. Jsut don't want my breast squeezed.

    Celebrating my birthday today.

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    OMG! I just reread my previous post  - I did not mean to state that I am glad all of you are here - I wish none of us were - I know that each of you knows that I meant that if we all have to be here, I am glad we can support each other. 

    Sher 

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  • 5kidsMom
    5kidsMom Member Posts: 118
    edited November 2011

    So encouraging to hear of skin healing!!!  I was excited this morning to see that my skin looks slightly better.  Well, "skin" is relative : )  Maybe I should say "that huge open area under my arm and across my chest!"  LOL  I *thought* my skin was doing well, but listening to some of you, I guess it isn't.  Still, now that they are only boosting one small part of me, the rest is looking like I might have skin on it in a week or 2.  Here's hoping that by Christmas we are all fully healed! 

    Only 3 more for me!

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  • Beaglesgirl
    Beaglesgirl Member Posts: 287
    edited November 2011

    lovetosail- I hope the best for your surgery in Jan. I am looking forward to getting it all over with but worried about the toll its going to take on me since its been pretty much been bam, bam, bam since March. I will be ready to rest in January! 

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  • Shinyx2
    Shinyx2 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2011

    I finished day 10 last Friday and the fatigue has hit me like a truck. Is anyone else experiencing nausea? The fatigue and dry-heaves hit at 2pm. Yuk.

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  • Beaglesgirl
    Beaglesgirl Member Posts: 287
    edited November 2011

    Shinyx2

    the fatigue is severe and sometimes borderlines nausea for me. I often describe it like the equivalent of nausea in the fatigue realm. I am so tired and wish I could fall asleep like being so queasy but cant throw up. weird. Frown

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited November 2011

    Happy birthday Susan!!

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  • mccrimmon324
    mccrimmon324 Member Posts: 1,076
    edited November 2011

    Morning Ladies,

    I just had my 16/30 this morning, haven't really had any side effects to speak of.  Chemo was much worse for me.  I was wondering when the fatigue usually sets in.  I have noticed that I've been a little extra tired lately but I've also been a bit busier than usual so I can't tell if it's a side effect or just me. 

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Mccrimmon,

    I'm with you on the chemo being worse. I had about a 4 wk break b/t chemo and rads, so I went into rads well rested. I started noticing some very minor fatigue around 4 wks. It has very gradually gotten a little more noticeable, but still nothing like chemo. 

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Sher,

    LOL! No worries, gf...we all knew what you meant!

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